Johnson Picks Consultant to Replace Miller

A Largo-based management consultant has been nominated to succeed Juanita D. Miller, a controversial outgoing commissioner on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) has asked the County Council to appoint Antonio L. Jones, who also works as chief financial officer for J&J Auto Repair and Towing Service, to a four-year term on the bi-county commission. The WSSC supplies water and sewer service to 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Miller acknowledged last week that she would not be reappointed to the panel. She is often seen by critics as a source of friction on the WSSC board, which was stalemated for 15 months before it chose a new general manager. Last week, the commission selected former D.C. Water and Sewer Authority chief Jerry N. Johnson to serve in that post.

If Jones is confirmed by the council, it could mean a new direction for the six-member board, which often has split along county lines on important issues.

"Mr. Jones's private sector experience, leadership and community service make him an ideal candidate on the WSSC," Jack Johnson said in a letter to the council. He said Jones has "more than 30 years of experience in management and program operations with federal contractors such as Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc. and Lockheed-Martin."

Jones, who has a master's degree in technology management from the University of Maryland, did not return a call seeking comment on his nomination. John Erzen, a spokesman for Jack Johnson, said it would be premature for Jones to comment before his confirmation hearing.

"He has to go through the normal steps, a committee hearing, meeting with council members and a public hearing," Erzen said.